The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Plan to boost eco-tourism in the Western Ghats

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Nov 08, 2007
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Plan to boost eco-tourism in the Western Ghats

Sharath S. Srivatsa

Talacauvery, Gopinatham camps to be thrown open for public

Eight jungle camps and trails to be launched
Rs. 9.41 cr. sought for strengthening infrastructure

Breathtaking: A view of the Talacauvery Wildlife Sanctuary.

BANGALORE: Western Ghats, a paradise for trekkers, has some of the best and least explored tracks apart from many oft-trodden paths in its dense forests.

In an effort to popularise eco-tourism in these rich forests, the Tourism Department has proposed to launch eight jungle camps and trails of which a couple are new while some are emerging to be popular among trekkers.

Trails

By August 2008, the department plans to launch trails and camps in Aanjeri at Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary and Seethanadi at Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary in Udupi district, Sakrebylu at Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary in Shimoga district, Kulagi at Dandeli Tiger Reserve and Anshi at Anshi National Park in Uttar Kannada district, Bhagawati at Kudremukh National Park in Chikmagalur district, Talacauvery at Talacauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in Kodagu district and Gopinatham at Cauvery Wildlife Sanctaury in Chamarajnagar district.

In a proposal submitted to the Union Government for financial assistance, the Tourism Department has sought Rs. 9.41 crore for strengthening infrastructure in the area. The project would be implemented by Tourism Department through the Forest Department, and promises to provide the visitors with a greater understanding and appreciation of nature.

Tourism Director C. Somashekar told The Hindu that they had sent the proposal last week and were confident of securing the approval. “Improving infrastructure will help promote adventure and eco-tourism in these areas that have a high potential,” he added.

While the camps at Talacauvery and Gopinatham will be thrown open for the public for the first time, Kulagi and Sakrebylu camps have been popular among the adventure buffs. In the last two years, Kulagi, known for hornbills, Cyntheri rocks, Kavala caves, rafting and timbers has attracted over 25,000 visitors while Sakrebylu, a popular elephant camp has received over 8,000 tourists.

Tourist inflow

Though having a high potential, Aanjeri, Anshi, Bhagawati and Seethanadi trails have not received many tourists during the same period, a department official said.

According to Dr. Somashekar, “Emphasis will be on maintaining the existing structures and new structures have been proposed only on a need basis.

The structures chosen are aimed to merge with nature and cause minimum disturbance to surroundings.”

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